Sermons on Self Advancement:

"greater Works Or Great Excuses"

Contributed by Anthony (Tony) Charles on Aug 17, 2025

Jesus promised believers would do greater works than He did, but instead of operating in God's power, we've substituted excuses for the supernatural works we're called to perform.

GREATER WORKS or GREAT EXCUSES Text: John 14:12 – “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they ...read more

Scripture: John 14:12, Mark 16:17, Matthew 10:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

A "persian Flaw": How Peter (And The Rest Of Us) Need To Learn To Forgive Ourselves

Contributed by Jessica Linde on Aug 29, 2024

Looking at the example of Peter and his denial of Jesus, this sermon's ultimate message is that God has long since already forgiven us of our mistakes, so now it's time that we forgive ourselves.

When I was conversing with colleagues earlier this week about the theme of today’s service, I was reminded of an idiom that we have in the English language: for something to be a “Persian flaw”. Have any of you heard this idiom before? Right… okay. A couple of you. It’s one that isn’t as common ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:33-35, John 21:15-22

Setting Our Minds On Divine Things

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Sep 12, 2024

Jesus taught his disciples to set their minds on divine things such as denying themselves and taking up their crosses to follow him. He added to that statements about "losing" our lives and to not be ashamed of the Gospel. What does all this mean?

THERE ARE PASSAGES IN THE BIBLE THAT CAN CREATE FEAR AND POSSIBLY DISTRESS DUE TO THEIR BLUNT, BUT HIDDEN MEANING. IN LUKE 14:26, WE ARE TOLD THAT “IF ANYONE COMES TO ME AND DOES NOT HATE FATHER AND MOTHER, WIFE AND CHILDREN, BROTHERS AND SISTERS—YES, EVEN THEIR OWN LIFE—SUCH A PERSON CANNOT BE MY ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38, 1 Corinthians 1:18, John 14:6, Romans 1:16

Denomination: Free Methodist

It’s The Times In Between

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Apr 25, 2021

Take note here as how we read the entrance to self effort! This is when David is only relying on David! How many can relate to the words David is using to describe the condition of his life?

It’s the Times In Between... 1 Samuel 21:10-15 NKJ 10 Then David arose and fled that day from before Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11 And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of him to one another in dances, saying: ‘Saul has ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3, Psalm 56:1-13, 1 Samuel 21:10-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is Your Jack Story?

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Nov 4, 2022

This message is about our self-fulling prophecies - how the stories we create in our minds often becomes the reality in which we live.

What Is Your Jack Story? Scripture: Numbers 13:25-33; Proverbs 18:21; Hebrews 11:1 The title of my message this morning is “What Is Your Jack Story?” Let me start by telling you a jack story. “There was a traveling salesman who got stuck one night on a lonely country road with a flat tire ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 13:25-33, Proverbs 18:21, Hebrews 11:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jonathan Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Nov 25, 2022

In an era of cancel culture and the quest to remain in power at all cost, the story of Jonathan is worth knowing about.

November 26, 2022 We know virtually nothing about Jonathan. He was the oldest son of Saul and Ahinoam and next in line for the throne of Israel. The Bible does not tell us if he was married, but we are told that he had a son, Mephibosheth, who was 5 years old when Jonathen was killed on Mt. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:3-4, 1 Samuel 23:14-18

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

What Did The Lord Jesus Ask Of His Disciples

Contributed by Antonius Fu on Jun 10, 2023

The Lord Jesus wants His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, today we will reflect on a theme related to discipleship. And we will learn about the price a disciple must pay through what the Lord Jesus said in His teaching. In the passage of God's word we see that the Lord Jesus told the people who were following Him ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Before Abraham Was, I Am Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 11, 2026

This study reveals the divine identity of Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God who existed before Abraham and possesses the authority and nature of God Himself.

BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: John 8:48-59 Key Verse: “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58) Supporting Texts: Exodus 3:14; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 1:8 INTRODUCTION In John 8:58, Jesus made ...read more

Scripture: John 8:48-59

Denomination: Assembly Of God

You Are Chosen Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

We are chosen by God to be His special people, set apart to proclaim His goodness to those in darkness.

Peter says we're chosen by God, and we're His. That's a promise from way back that still counts today. You're not just some random kid; you're God's kid. You're not just some random kid; you're God's kid. Peter dares us to live like we mean it. Actions speak louder than words, and people are ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Topics: Spiritual Identity, Divine Adoption, Christ's Love, Biblical Self-Image

Compassion Moves To Action Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Mar 5, 2015

This short powerful passage provides insight into Jesus' motivation for advancing the training of His disciples to the next level or on to ministering to people in teams. The reason is Jesus' compassion for the masses. Jesus saw beyond the physical broken

MATTHEW 9: 35-38 COMPASSION MOVES TO ACTION [Ezekiel 34:1-6] Jesus saw beyond the physical brokenness to the deeper tragedy of lives lived without spiritual purpose or direction.This short powerful passage provides insight into Jesus' motivation for advancing the training of His disciples to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

Denomination: Baptist

There Are Two Sides To Every Story PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 16, 2023

Explores the transformative power of a relationship with Christ, emphasizing that true change comes not from self-effort, but from looking to Jesus.

Good morning, beloved family of Christ. It's a joy to see each and every one of your smiling faces here today, ready to share in the Word of God. Before we get started, let's just take a moment to read the Scripture we're going to be talking about today. It's from 2 Corinthians 5:17, and it says, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Topics: New Story

The Spirit’s Gift Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Dec 3, 2010

If we want to be used of God to effectively advance the cause of Christ, we must be careful not to overestimate or underestimate ourselves, but use the Spirit’s gift(s) to serve with all our hearts.

Just a few years ago, Dave Barry, a columnist for the Washington Post, posted his comments about the typical male in the first week of December. He wrote, “Your standard man, at this point in the Christmas season, has purchased zero gifts. He has not yet gotten around to purchasing an acceptable ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:3-8

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Head Start The Right Start

Contributed by Alvin Hathaway, Sr. on Mar 16, 2009

A challenge to the faith community to early childhood education by having a fidelity to the cultural values of every child, by developing a fellowship that creates community for each child, and by furthering the advancement of a program that has proven it

Sermon Preached on Sunday, September 24, 2006 “Head Start the Right Start” Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer 3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy,5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

Denomination: Baptist

Choosing The Best Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 27, 2013

Paul penned this letter to the Philippians from a prison. Yet he was overjoyed at how God was his adverse circumstances to advance the Gospel. Paul's joy was completely centered in His realtionship with Jesus.

Intro: An old dog was watching a young dog chase his tail. The young dog stopped to rest, and told the older dog, “I believe happiness is in my tail, and if I catch it, then I will have happiness!” The older, wiser dog said, “I caught mine once. . . and I found out that happiness ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Need A Boost?

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jul 17, 2012

We could all use a little boost every now and then. Some synonyms for “boost” are: improve, make better, advance. Sound refreshing? Sound invigorating?

NEED A BOOST? INTRODUCTION: We could all use a little more encouragement in our lives, don’t you think? We get run-down, we get disheartened. We wonder if what we’re doing really matters to anyone. We could all use a little boost every now and then. No, not the energy drink, although ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 12:25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ